Hot day for women at fire event

A lawyer, personal trainer and office workers from across Shropshire swapped their day job for a taste of their “dream career” as firefighters.

A total of 29 women from across the county took part in a session at Telford fire station aimed at showing them life with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

There are currently only seven female firefighters in the county, but bosses are keen to recruit more and are holding the taster events to encourage women to sign up.

After listening to a presentation and having a tour of the station the women took part in realistic physical activities. They donned firefighting kit to perform the tasks, which included having to balance “hands free” 30ft up a ladder, operating a ladder lift and a casualty evacuation exercise.They also had to crawl in total darkness through tunnels and lug two 30lb (13.5kg) hose reels along a course.

Personal trainer Lucy Deeley, age 23, from St George’s, Telford, said: “I have wanted to be a firefighter since I was 16. It is such a varied career where you can help people and educate them about fire safety.”

Former naval rating Michelle Bowen, from Chirk, who is 5ft 4in and weighs 8st, completed the stamina activity easily.

Michelle who now works as a fitness instructor in an Oswestry gym, said: “It was hard, but I did it.

“Since leaving the navy four years ago I crave the camaraderie you just don’t get in civvy street. I really want to be a firefighter.”

Organiser Natalie Hill, from the fire service, said: “We want more women in the fire service and this event has allowed us to remove some of the stereotypical images that they have about the role and give them an understanding of the physical demands of the job.”

Those who enjoyed it were encouraged to apply for full-time posts.